Anyone Take Any of These Medicines and Have Side Effects?

Your Doctor will need to tell you when he wants you to test your blood sugar -- so keep waiting for his call.

In the meantime, here's what I would do:

TEST 1) Test your "fasting" blood sugar every morning. This means the absolute first thing you do in the morning when you get out of bed (BEFORE your shower, getting dressed, having coffee, etc.) Absolutely no food or drink before this blood sugar.

TEST 2) Rotate the second test to be before lunch, dinner and bedtime -- and do it right before you sit down to eat or go to bed. Test 4 days in a row of "before lunch." Then test 4 days in a row of "before dinner." Then do 4 days in a row of "before bed." And then rotate again.

Good luck. I hope you feel better soon.

Sounds like a lot of meds and some may be effecting the others. I have known people to almost completely rid their diabetic medications based on changing their diet and going on a nutritional supplement. It was amazing and life changing for them. I will have to agree about seeing a nutritionist but you should also look into what you can do naturally so you don't have to take all these meds. That's the problem with them, they may help one thing but then hurt you in another way. Best is to avoid if possible. I would be happy to talk to you about what people have used. Best to you and your health. You should look these meds up online. There is so much information you can learn. WE are the ones who have to educate our selves. It's up to us to determine the path of our health. I wish you the best.

K.
Wellness Consultant

My father is a diabetic. And I had gestational diabetes. I would call the doc. I did learn that greasy foods kept my blood sugar up longer than non greasy foods. I had to test my sugar 4 times a day. First thing in the morning, then 1 or 2 hrs after I ate. I would recommend going to a nutritionist as well. Sometimes we do not realize that what we are eating can affect our blood sugar the way it does. I went there thinking that I do not eat a lot of sugary foods, which I didn't. But for me it was carbs. Milk, certain veggies, fruit all were carbs and affected my blood sugar. But the side effects sound extreme to me. Maybe it is the meds, but maybe you have a touch of something more as well. If your doc is not returning your calls, call back and talk to the nurse if still no response, I would definitely change docs.

I would strongly suggest you go here: http://www.diabetesforums.com/

I was diagnosed last spring with type 2 and these wonderful people were able to give me a lot of advise.

I think there is often a lot of trial and error when starting meds. but your symptoms are concerning and I would definately call your Dr. Also, I think you should be testing a LOT more than 2 times a day. In the beginning I tested at least 7 times a day and learned a lot. Sometimes I would eat just one thing, then test just to see how it was affecting me.

It is all very confusing in the beginning and very emotional too. It will get better, Promise! Relax and just realize there is a learning curve and it will take awhile to get it all figured out. Go to the site above, its a great place to start.

Metformin is used to promote better utilization of the glucose in your body. It prevents your liver from releasing glucose into your blood (as the liver is capable of making glucose) and instead, your cells use up the glucose that is already in your blood from what you have eaten. It is most likely the source of your stomach upset. Side effects usually go away after 7-10 days. Avandia is also for diabetes. Gemfibrozil is for lowering cholesterol. Enalapril is for reducing blood pressure, but also enhances blood circulation to the kidneys, which helps prevent kidney damage which diabetics are at risk for.

Blood sugar should be checked fasting in the am, and 2 hours after a large meal. Eventually, once it is determined that your sugars are stable and within range, this can reduced to a couple times a week if desired. Your doc will probably check a HgbA1C every three months, and this determines if your sugars are being controlled. Testing strips are costly so it will be easier on your wallet once you have your HgbA1C below 7.0.

Your LDL cholesterol should be below 70. And your blood pressure below 130/80, and you should be following up every 3 months at the doc's office.

Hope this helps- obviously, I'm in the healthcare profession, so write back if you have more questions! :)